Demetrius Knox is Number 15

Moments ago Urban Meyer received a phone call from Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal High School standout Demetrius Knox, and the highly-coveted offensive lineman informed Ohio State's head coach that he wanted to come home.

And with that phone call, Knox ended his recruitment and committed to Ohio State's 2014 recruiting class.

Of course, if you're familiar with how Knox does things you already know there were definitely some shenanigans involved. Nothing is just cut and dry with "Meechy," as he likes to have his fun. So Knox dialed up Meyer, got the Buckeye leader on the phone and started giving him the news.

"I told (Meyer) 'I know I said I was going to wait a little longer to decide what school I'm going to but I feel like it's best if I go ahead and pull the trigger'," Knox told Eleven Warriors. "I said, 'I am really am thankful that y'all recruited me and everything. I really just wanted to call you up and tell you I appreciate everything coach."

"I think he was worried I was committing somewhere else, because he started talking about how he thought Ohio State was in good shape with me, etc. I was like 'Wait, what do you mean coach? I am committing to the Buckeyes.'"

Knox originally committed to his adopted home-state Texas Longhorns last Nov 26, two days after his original home-state Ohio State Buckeyes beat Michigan 26-21. Knox rescinded his commitment to the Longhorns and their head coach Mack Brown in April, citing differences between the staff and himself, and re-opened his commitment.

"I just didn't feel like it was the right place for me anymore," Knox said of his decision to re-open his commitment. "I also think I just blindly jumped into that and that's my fault, but I will always have love for the Texas program. All the Texas commits and players are all still my boys, we're all still friends."

After a visit to Ohio State in March, speculation was rampant that Knox would ultimately end up at Ohio State, but as the months have passed, Knox's recruitment began to get murkier. While he continued to strongly consider the Buckeyes, Knox couldn't help but consider the overtures of other schools.

UCLA and the Miami (FL) each offered Knox a chance to play high-level football in beautiful beach-side locales, but after months of considering the pros and cons of each possibility — UCLA primarily — Knox got clarity from a friend.

"One of the biggest lures of UCLA was the environment in Los Angeles is just so cool and there was so much to do," Knox said of the draw of a commitment to UCLA. "But I was talking to a friend of mine and he was like, 'Meech, you're too laid back for that,' and he was right."

"All I need is five friends max at my house playing a game and just chilling is a good night for me. I can always vacation in L.A."

The Demetrius Knox File

That doesn't mean the decision was an easy one for Knox; in fact it was anything but. While there is an assumption that Knox was "all Buckeye," he hopes people can appreciate the challenge in the decision he has made. It was the nonstop, 24-hour stress of the recruiting process that made him realize it was time to end his recruitment.

"I just got tired of the recruiting process. I had to go with my gut and commit to Ohio State," Knox said. "This was 100-percent the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I really love the UCLA coaching staff and the environment there is so special, so it was extremely hard for me to tell their coaches that I wouldn't be going to school there."

"Through the recruiting process you build these bonds with coaches and then when it's time to tell them that your not going to their school, it's a killer, especially (UCLA offensive line coach) Adrian Klemm, he is just an amazing person and coach," Knox said. "In general, the recruiting process was taking a toll on me. It was so stressful. It's all my mom and I would talk about around the house. I stayed up late every night thinking about it. I actually made up my mind to commit at like 3:30 a.m. this morning.

I've wanted to play for Ohio State since second grade...I have tons of family in Ohio that will be really excited to hear the news.

"I'm so thankful to have people like my mom and my head coach at All Saints, Aaron Beck, in my life," Knox said. "They have helped keep me grounded and have helped me so much in life, and not just academically and athletically. They give me perspective in life and without them, there's a slim chance that I would be where I am now. My mom is amazing and Coach Beck has been has been a great teacher and a father figure for me."

But ultimately, the school he will play for has been recruiting him for a decade. It just hasn't been a formal recruitment.

"I've wanted to play for Ohio State since second grade," Knox said. "It's just once I got the offer I realized its more than just football that you have to weigh as an option, that's why it took me so long," he added about his choice. "But like I've said, regardless I was still going to be a Buckeye and I meant it! I have tons of family in Ohio that will be really excited to hear the news."

"My mom is actually going to move back to Ohio when I graduate so I'll have her in my corner. It's just a blessing. I'm comfortable at Ohio State; with the commits, being back home in Ohio, they have four starting lineman leaving after this year, Urban Meyer will not be going anywhere for a long time and he will challenge me to improve myself more than any other coach in the country."

"They are a legitimate national champion contender every single year and I will get to be a part of 'The Chase' to win a title for my home state," Knox said. "Playing at Ohio State is a lifelong dream. If all those things aren't a reason to make the call - then it's a pretty good sign that maybe I should go somewhere else, right? I have nothing but love for all these schools that were recruiting me and I'm sure they all have bright futures. They just don't have futures as bright as the Ohio State Buckeyes."

Ohio State's latest four-star commitment: All smiles.

As with most recruits that commit to Ohio State, Knox pinpoints his relationship with — and the ability to play for — Urban Meyer as a key part of his decision.

"He's just a real cool guy, and he's a very wise about football," Knox said of his future head coach. " I like his style and I'm happy to know he's going to be my coach for four years. Other coaches may come and go, but I know that Urban Meyer is going to be at Ohio State for a long time."

After his previous commitment to the Longhorns ended rather quickly, Knox is ready to shut down his recruiting. He has official visits scheduled to Ohio State, UCLA, Florida, and Florida State, but he says that there's only one he will be taking.

"The only official visit I will take is to Ohio State on October 26th, for the Penn State game," he said of what happens next for him. "I think Urban Meyer would prefer I don't take any more visits (laughs), and I respect that. I want to focus now on winning a state championship for my senior year and get back to just being a kid. I won't get a chance to do that ever again. I'm just so happy to say I am committed to Ohio State. It's great to be a Buckeye."

Now that's he a Buckeye commitment, Knox has a message for those players still undecided about whether Ohio State is the place for them.

"Everyone be on notice, Buckeye Nation and I are coming after everyone, all the best recruits left out there," Knox said. "I'm going to step up and be another leader in this class."

BIG MEECH! Welcome aboard brother (if you're out there lurking)!!!
Super glad to have you on board for the good guys and looking forward to watching you grow over the next couple of years. Hopefully Coach Meyer gives you a microphone for all the pressers.
There's only one way to celebrate this announcement...a live look into my studio apt:

Got Meech?
We just landed the perfect OOS recruit for '14. He knows whats real in life and whats b.s. plus says all the right things. This guy knows what it really means to be a Buckeye and is going to be an excellent example for all future recruits and players alike. If any future recruits out there in-state or OOS don't heed Mr. Knox's wisdom, they certainly are not 'Ohio State material'!

Been a tough day. Thought I would take a peek at 11W, hoping it would take my mind away from things for a little while and BOOM! This happens! Fan-Freakin-Tastic!
Congrats Meechy! The Buckeyes are in your blood and you will be a part of history at OSU.

MEECHY...welcome to Buckeye Nation! tOSU football team and university as a whole, is richer for adding such a level headed, humble, intelligent, well spoken young man. Now get mean and kick some a** (j/k). Truly a great addition.

"I told (Meyer) 'I know I said I was going to wait a little longer to decide what school I'm going to but I feel like it's best if I go ahead and pull the trigger'," Knox told Eleven Warriors. "I said, 'I am really am thankful that y'all recruited me and everything. I really just wanted to call you up and tell you I appreciate everything coach."
"I think he was worried I was committing somewhere else, because he started talking about how he thought Ohio State was in good shape with me, etc. I was like 'Wait, what do you mean coach? I am committing to the Buckeyes.'"

Is there a difference between Viper and Leo? "No, we just thought Viper sounded cooler."---Former Buckeye Coach Mike Vrabel

I was really hoping that nobody would say that. Seems like every time someone says that,...
Anyways, we'll wait and see. My favorite class was 98'. Or was it 03'? Hold it, it was the class of 66'. What about 11'? You can't forget about ...!

100,000 upvotes on the way Meechy! We are excited to have you! I'd say welcome to the Buckeye family but I know you've been one of us for a long time.

If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. ~ Bruce Lee

This whole time I was secretly hoping for Meech to make a new post "I commit to The Ohio State University" but this is just as good. I always thought Tressel was a great recruiter but this is on a whole new level. I almost feel sorry for the competition, almost.

Brilliant! Meechy, you are in good company and I had no doubt! We talk a lot about many, many recruits on here but I think your recruitment will hit everyone after the season starts and everyone will realize how important it was that you came to OSU.
Much like Warmack and Cooper, you have the ability to be better than either of them!
This is such amazing news! Biggest of the year and just made this summer a whole lot better.

Fashionably late to his own party.
Trust your heart. You can't go wrong. I honesty didn't think he'd be a buckeye but I am smiling ear to ear just excited for a buckeye fan to be able to live his dream. He gets it and that's my favorite type of player. Genuinely, congrats.
Do something great, I want to buy that jersey.

Think about it, Jamarco Jones can and will be a great Left Tackle. Then we have Kyle Trout for the RT, at the opening he struggled on the left but once he hit the right he was solid. Then Marcelys Jones is a big monster of a guard and now OSU has the second guard to guarantee a very talented line that could be a starting unit for 4 years straight they are that good!
Now anyone of Prince, Mavety and Bookers will be the cherry on top! If at least 1 of those commits, it should be a lock as the best Oline class for 2014.

Not to sound negative but I could never understand why Knox would possibly go anywhere but OSU. We are his dream school and he could probably have the best chance to play right away. Personally I had a funky feeling that we would lose out to UCLA but must say that I am ecstatic to land his commitment. He will be a solid Guard and I see him taking a strong leadership roll down the road. Now lets get Mavety and make the 2014 OL one of the top nation wide!

Awesome news! I was seriously just thinking to myself "I wander what's going on with Knox? I haven't seen many updates on him lately." Then I fire up the Internet machine and see wonderful news. Welcome to Buckeye Nation Knox.

Well, Meechy, I am very surprised about the timing but also thrilled. I think you know how everyone here supports you, and while you have already been a part of the family for some time it is great to welcome you to the team!
Birm, you are the best! I will only add that we have the classiest writers here covering the classiest of recruits.

Congrats, Meechy. Wish you well in everything you do in the future. Great young man and you have a lot of hard work ahead of you to be the best, but I am sure you are eager to get started.
GET SOME, MEECHY!

You can feed a bobcat all the chili it wants. That don't mean it's going to crap out diamonds.

Awesome news! I just got home from hanging out with a family friend with the kids all together, and I just told him my gut feeling was he was UCLA. I get home and check 11w, and BAM...... Best news ever!

Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.

Meechy I'm glad to see you followed your heart and chose the place that's right for you. When i posted about making my college decision about following my heart to tOSU and you responded you felt the same, glad to see you chose to tOSU. Congrats, you are going to one of the, if not the, best universities in the country and the best football programs. Welcome to the nation Meechy, glad your a buckeye!

After a very bad week from a personal and fan perspective, what better way to start this week out than get a commitment from Demetrius Knox?! I'm glad he "followed his heart" and will be back in Ohio where his family and friends can support him..
Welcome home, Mr. Knox. Go Bucks!

I was caught off guard big time. From what I had been told UCLA already had his jersey made. I honestly thought he was going to be a bruin with a buckeye heart. With his skills and attitude I wanted him to play for us. I'm relieved that now he is! This is great news!!!
i asked him if he hunts or has he ever hunted. His response " yes, last year in our state championship game. ". I was expecting something a little different. It showed me what his mentality consists of. He is a beast who loves to compete. And does hunt guys down. I can't wait to see him wearing S & G. Thanks big Meechy .

I just got finished going 72 hours with 6 hours of sleep busting my ass on a project for the 48 hour film festival in Cleveland, then drove 2 hours back down to Columbus and what is the first news I see on the internet? The bestest of news! Welcome to OSU Big MEECHY!

Congrats Meech, and best wishes on getting that State title for your senior season. I never doubted that you would be a part of this team. As a Buckeye Alumnus, I guarantee you that you will never regret and always be thankful for your time at The Ohio State University. Not to say you wont suffer some bruises and misery while you struggle against the challenges awaiting you... but that just makes your success so much sweeter.

Welcome home, Mr. Knox! I admit I was one of the doubters about you coming home to play. I am so happy that you not only became part of the 2014 class of The Ohio State Buckeyes, but you spared us the grief of having to wait until the 11th hr to hear your decision. After a rough week for Buckeye Nation, your commitment has gone a long way toward healing a lot of those wounds. We are very lucky to have landed such an outstanding young man. If I ever meet your mom, I'm going to give her a big kiss. She raised a great kid.

I will be ecstatic if we can land Chad Mavety and/or Damian Prince on top of Marcelys Jones, Jamarco Jones, Kyle Trout and Demetrius Knox. Love our chances at landing Mavety, but I think landing Prince will be tough. Seems like Florida State and Maryland are legit contenders to get his commitment. Then again, Urban is super clutch at closing strong, and Prince sounds like a late decision. Ohio State could be a dark horse at landing Prince. We will see!

I was one who didn't care for the shenanigans to be honest especially coming from a hog molly! Formed a negative opinion of The man for it! I can honestly say I was wrong. That was an impressive interview, mature, articulate and genuine! You get mad props for that. All I have to say is be "polished" and classy and that will take you to a lot of places you can't even imagine and dayum L.A. Dream bigger, Honolulu for instance! Stay polished bro! #putinwork #honolulu2019 #dreamteam14

Welcome home, Meechy. I am extremely happy that you have decided to come back and play for OSU. Having a guy as great, mature and optimistic as you on our team makes me even more proud of my Buckeyes (if such a thing is possible). I will cheer hard for you and look forward greatly to seeing you in your first game (and all successive games) in S&G.

Meeeeeeeeeech!!!
Our OLine has completed its conversion from a point of risk as we have so many holes to a serious contender as the continuing point of strength in the coming years. Hope we add a couple more solids. Would be awesome to play behind these guys!!

Love Meechy's enthusiasm and down-to-earth nature. Can I get an O-H!!

None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. ~ John Milton

This was me when I found out the news that Big Meech had committed to tOSU!

Some people think we’re the hunted.I don’t feel that way at all.We’re the hunter.Everybody wants an angry football team.Everybody wants a team on edge and a hungry team.If you’re a hunter,that usually equates to being hungry.

"I can always vacation in L.A."--well, it's very convenient to Pasadena.
Good to see! Love to see those offensive linemen coming in. And if he redshirts and is a 4-year player, he would still be a Buckeye when we play TCU in his hometown in 2018.

First thought when seeing this: hell yeah!
second thought: I've seen this before with him, we'll see
third and final thought after reading it: this kid is all buckeye! Excited to fill the guard spot for years to come!